Jul 20, 2026 · 42 min · 11 segments
*Content warning: This series discusses the use of explosives for terrorism. Episodes will contain sounds of explosions, statements from victims and descriptions of injuries as well as other content…
Niamh McDadeGuest
Penny StewartHost
Chris HesterGuest
James CrosslandGuest
Aileen FyfeGuestHome Office, 14th March 1883 Sir, I have held an inquiry into the circumstances attending three explosions which occurred in Glasgow during the night of Saturday 20th January and in the early morning of Sunday 21st January 1883.
The second occurred about 12.50am on the 21st of January on a bridge by which the Forth and Clyde Canal is conveyed across Possil Road.
The third occurred at about 1.15 a.m. on the 21st of January in a disused shed belonging to the Caledonian Railway Company and situated near their Buchanan Street station.
My connection with these explosions arose from a telegram dispatched by the Procurator Fiscal, Mr. W.
Brown, requesting that I might be directed to proceed to Glasgow to assist in elucidating the explosions which appear to be of a mysterious and suspicious character."
Deep set, intelligent eyes, a generous bristle brush of a moustache, and a relentless passion for uncovering the science behind infernal machines.
The Procurator Fiscal had, at my request, caused the scenes of the explosion to be left as little undisturbed as possible pending my arrival.
It will be seen that I have arrived at decided conclusion that all three explosions were affected by the agency of a nitro compound and that they were wilfully affected by some evil disposed person or persons.
Three devices, three locations, three attempts to cause maximum panic, mayhem and disruption to the city of Glasgow.
Because IEDs, improvised explosive devices, aren't just a frightening component of 21st century terrorism.
I have not felt it entered within the scope of my duty to inquire into who these persons were likely to have been, or by what motives they were impelled.
That, as it appears to me, is strictly a duty for the police.
This case from Glasgow in 1883 gives us a deep dive access point to a pivotal moment and pivotal case from British crime history.
Home Office, 14th March 1883 Sir, I have held an inquiry into the circumstances attending three explosions which occurred in Glasgow during the night of Saturday 20th January and in the early morning of Sunday 21st January 1883.
The second occurred about 12.50am on the 21st of January on a bridge by which the Forth and Clyde Canal is conveyed across Possil Road.
The third occurred at about 1.15 a.m. on the 21st of January in a disused shed belonging to the Caledonian Railway Company and situated near their Buchanan Street station.
My connection with these explosions arose from a telegram dispatched by the Procurator Fiscal, Mr. W.
Brown, requesting that I might be directed to proceed to Glasgow to assist in elucidating the explosions which appear to be of a mysterious and suspicious character."
Deep set, intelligent eyes, a generous bristle brush of a moustache, and a relentless passion for uncovering the science behind infernal machines.
The Procurator Fiscal had, at my request, caused the scenes of the explosion to be left as little undisturbed as possible pending my arrival.
It will be seen that I have arrived at decided conclusion that all three explosions were affected by the agency of a nitro compound and that they were wilfully affected by some evil disposed person or persons.
Three devices, three locations, three attempts to cause maximum panic, mayhem and disruption to the city of Glasgow.
Because IEDs, improvised explosive devices, aren't just a frightening component of 21st century terrorism.
I have not felt it entered within the scope of my duty to inquire into who these persons were likely to have been, or by what motives they were impelled.
That, as it appears to me, is strictly a duty for the police.
This case from Glasgow in 1883 gives us a deep dive access point to a pivotal moment and pivotal case from British crime history.
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